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| Greyhounds that have been given a second chance through the Greyhound Adoption Program NT |
Greyhounds are incredibly athletic dogs, but their genetic gifts have cost them dearly. Every year the greyhound industry produces thousands of "surplus" dogs, most of which are destroyed. As a veterinary student I learned this first-hand: our first anatomy dissections were performed on greyhound cadavers because they were so easy to obtain.
Because of the circumstances in which most of greyhounds are kept, rescue groups often have to rehabilitate them extensively. I treat a number of rescue greyhounds, the majority of which require anti-anxiety medication and some serious dental work.
The Legislative Council's Select Committe on Greyhound Racing in New South Wales is winding up its Inquiry Into Racing in New South Wales tomorrow (November 6). If you want to have a say in the way the industry is related with regard to animal welfare, now is the time.
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| An ex-racing greyhound enjoys the beach. |
Submissions may be made regarding a range of matters (read the full list here). It is telling and somewhat disappointing that in an alphabetical list of topics, the economic viability of the racing industry is listed as point (a) whilst welfare gets a mention in (don't hold your breath) point (j).
One might expect that an industry that earns so much money from racing animals would be required to invest heavily in their care, but my first-hand experience is that this is not the case. Yes, I have met greyhound trainers who sleep beside their dogs, but these are the exception - not the rule. They deserve better.
To make a submission, click here.
